“Domestic migration” is on the rise and has been the highest in five years. In 2012, about 16.9 million people moved to a new county. As the nation’s economy recovers, more Americans are on the move. Home prices are lower, and the number of people moving within the U.S. is up 5 percent from 2010, reports USA Today. Whether you’re moving to a new town or across the country, moving (and packing!) is a taxing undertaking. If you’re headed to a new home, be prepared and stay organized with these packing tips to ensure a stress-free moving experience with as few disasters as possible.
Plan Early
Waiting until the last minute to pack is easy to do, but if you start early, you’ll be less rushed and stressed. And on a tight deadline, you be less likely to strategically categorize items. Items can get misplaced, or lost forever, at the new house. Martha Stewart’s Website offers moving and packing checklists that can map out the packing process, keeping you organized and on track even months before the move. At least two months before moving, start to sort, organize, de-clutter and downsize. Then create an inventory and gather the moving materials — even ship discount moving boxes directly to your doorstep to conveniently collect the essential moving supplies.
Clean Before The Move
Without proper packing, unpacking can turn into a miserable experience. Simplify the unpacking process and ensure all items are clean and dust-free before they’re boxed. It may be faster to pack everything as-is and worry about cleaning dirty things later. But you’ll be happy, and less stressed, to unpack clean items in your new home. Also, try to visit your new home a few days before you move-in for a preliminary clean in the bathroom, kitchen, and bedrooms. Dust, dead bugs, and cobwebs are common in vacant homes, and it can become overwhelming to clean as you are trying to unpack and get settled.
Prepare Large & Delicate Items
Your over-sized belongings like mirrors and televisions are bulky and easily breakable. Maneuvering these items throughout your move can be complicated and time-consuming. Use quilted furniture pads to wrap and safeguard these large items, recommends Real Simple. Special wooden crates can help you safely and efficiently ship televisions and other large breakables as well. For extra padding, use heavy blankets or fill large trash bags with soft items like stuffed animals, towels and pillows to help protect your delicate belongings and keep them clean.
If you’re moving large electronics, landscaping tools, and equipment or vehicles, such as a motorcycle or ATV, that need a new part or to be repaired, wait until you arrive at your new home to mitigate extra hassle. Your lawn mower or dirt bike is susceptible to damage during the move. You can even order parts or accessories online before you move and have the components delivered to your new address.
Label & Organize Boxes
Take the time to label and create an inventory of your boxes. The organization is a time-saver for when you’re unpacking and can’t find a television cable or drinking glasses. Inventory helps track smaller items likely to get lost. Also, label and organize boxes by room and categories to help make unpacking more efficient. Right before moving day, pack belongings that you’ll need immediately in a clear plastic container so you can see and access these essentials quickly.